Seeking to Forgive

 by Eliza Bruno

Photo Prompt: Mystery Ranch Hand

I stood up. There was no use staying here anyway. I poured what was left of my water over the fire, until only black, smoldering embers were left. Taking my saddle, I started walking down the worn, narrow path that led farther and farther away from the place I used to call home.

After walking for a few hours, I came to a bend in the road where I saw a sign that said MEMORY CREEK RANCH, HIRING. “Maybe they’ll hire me,” I thought. As soon as I walked into the yard a black and white collie started barking. A little boy of about 4 ran out, stopping short when he saw me.  

“Mama there’s a stranger out here.” A woman came out followed by two toddling babies.

“Howdy ma’am,” I said taking off my hat, “this is Memory Creek Ranch, right?”  

“Yes, it is,” the woman said looking at me suspiciously.

“Well, I heard you were hiring, and I need a job.” I told her. “Do you know where I can find the ranch boss?”

“Yes,” she answered, “he should be at – oh, there he is!” she pointed at a man who was walking towards us.

“My name’s Riley Prescott and this is my ranch.” He said as soon as he reached me.

“And I’m Jon McAndrews,” I responded shaking his outstretched hand, “and I’m looking for a job.”

 “We can’t pay much,” he admitted, “but I can promise you a bunk and a plate of good food.”

“Don’t worry, that’s more than enough.” I said gratefully. After introducing me to their three ranch hands, Matt, Carlos, and Joey, Riley told me I could start in the morning. So, I ate an early supper, thanked Carlos, and went to a bunk where I lay for a while, unable to sleep.

I knew all I had to do was let go, forgive, but I couldn’t. He could have saved them, but no, all He did was ignore them. Finally, after what seemed like an eternity I drifted into a deep, dreamless sleep.                       

In the morning Riley told me I could start by milking the cow. I nodded and got to work. Riley leaned against the barn wall, watching me intently. Finally, he spoke. “Yesterday I noticed you had a saddle. Where is your horse?”

“Robbers,” I answered, “they took Misterio and what was left of my money. I still don’t understand why they didn’t take my saddle.”

“Oh, I see. By the way, have you always lived in California?” Riley asked curiously.

“No actually, me and my-me and my wife came here from Ireland, you know, see if there was any gold left. In the end, we settled for a small farm. I had a little boy just like yours, only his hair was a fiery red, and his eyes were as green as the spring grass.” I mused, almost forgetting Riley was here.

“They’re gone?” Riley asked quietly.

I stopped milking. “I left for town one day, had to buy some things. When I returned, the cottage was aflame. As soon as the-the men who did it saw me they fled. I was too shocked to chase them.”

“I’m sorry.” Was all Riley could say.

“It’s all right boss, it wasn’t your fault.” I started milking again and Riley left.

*******************

 It was late when Riley and his family returned from their special Sunday dinner. After Andi (Mrs. Prescott) brought us (the ranch hands) cookies, which we took gratefully, she took me aside for a moment.

“I’m sorry about your family,” she said, “I lost my good friend once, and she was only a horse, so your loss must hurt a million times worse.”

I nodded and she continued.

“I didn’t want to forgive my brothers for putting her down. I didn’t understand why God had let this happen to her. But you know what? After I did forgive them, I felt much better.”

“I’ve tried before, I just, I guess I wasn’t sure how to do it.” I confessed.

 “Let’s pray.” She said.

After praying I thanked her, then walked away, my heart feeling lighter than it had in a long time.

*************

       A few days later, Riley asked me to go to town on an errand. I was riding Buster, their trusty horse, and whistling a tune that reminded me of childhood memories in Ireland. Halfway to town I heard whinnying in the distance. I kept riding. It was probably just some rider and his horse. Nothing unusual there.

The whinnying grew louder, more insistent. I stopped. I recognized that whinny. Could it be? I slowly dismounted, turning around as soon as my feet touched the ground. “Misterio, is that you?” I asked, though in my heart I knew it was.

He whinnied softly, nudging my shoulder gently.

“Oh Lord, thank you!” I shouted.

I rode into the ranch not long after and as I handed the supplies to another ranch hand, who also took Buster, Riley made his way towards me. “Who is that?” he asked, pointing at Misterio.

 “Boss, meet Misterio, my horse.” I said grinning.

“But how, how did you find him?” Riley asked, a look of wonder in his face.

“I didn’t,” I answered, “he found me.”

After grooming Misterio, I ate dinner with the hands, then visited my horse again.

“I missed you so much. Didn’t think I’d see you again.” I said combing his mane with my fingers.

He nickered softly as if to say, ‘I missed you too’.

I felt the newly carved letters on the board which read: MISTERIO.  It hung over Misterio’s stall, thanks to Joey, who had carved it and then nailed it to the wall.

I said goodbye to Misterio then walked to the bunk house, entering quietly, not wanting to wake up the other ranch hands. I lay on my bunk awhile unable to sleep, this time because of happiness. “Thank you so much God,” I said gratitude filling my heart.

The Lord was truly amazing! He had a purpose for everyone and everything.

************

I worked on the Prescott’s ranch for the rest of the year, then returned to my old home in Ireland, where I lived with Misterio, never forgetting my time with the Prescott family.